The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Hands down by far THE BEST overall hotel I have ever stayed at! The hotel is a nice property with very clean traditional but modern aesthetics. It’s located just a short walk outside of the tourist area along the Kanagawa River, which has a nice walking path to enjoy the outdoors. By far, what elevates the Ritz Kyoto to a whole other level is its customer service and attention to detail. It started with my email correspondence before my visit. Navigating direct Japan restaurant booking was somewhat difficult, so I emailed the hotel for help with finding a restaurant and booking it. The emails were always responded timely by the concierge staff and when I checked in, I was given restaurant directions to:from the hotel to give the taxi driver. When I entered or left the property, the staff went out of their way to ask me if I needed any assistance, whether it was directions, taxi service, restaurant recommendations, etc. They were always one step ahead of me offering assistance before I even realized I needed it! Megumi O in Guest Experience provided fantastic check-in experience, so helpful and accommodating. The absolute standout was N Sakamoto at the front desk. Thank you for providing such caring customer service for my friend who was fatigued and rested at the hotel while I was out. It was very much appreciated. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty recognition is outstanding at this property! I could go on and on, but the bottom line, if you want the best, stay here!

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto was truly one of the finest hotel experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, the service was flawless, but the property itself is where it truly shines. It perfectly blends old-world Japan with modern luxury. The rooms, spacious for Kyoto, were beautifully designed and felt like a contemporary ryokan with sliding panels, natural textures, and elegant wood finishes. Thoughtful touches, like live Japanese string music, made the experience even more immersive. The location was another highlight—compared to the Park Hyatt and Four Seasons Kyoto, the Ritz offers a peaceful retreat away from tourist crowds, making it the perfect sanctuary after exploring the city. One downside was the subpar spa area and pool, which felt a bit underwhelming as they were located underground. However, we didn’t mind, as the overall feel of the hotel was just so incredible.

A haven in lovely Kyoto. The hotel looks calm and serene and most of the patrons look like they belong there. Lots of locals so it has that true Japanese feel. Funny but you feel lile you have to act calm yourself. Staff is extremely professional. Food is good and they have decent american options for lunch.

I stayed at this hotel from December 17 to 20 in 2024, and it is one of the best Ritz-Carlton properties I have ever experienced. I will definitely return. First, I want to express my gratitude to Yumi for assisting with the check-in process. She was incredibly attentive and thoughtful, arranging every detail perfectly and even giving me a warm, handwritten postcard. I also really enjoyed the convenience of checking in directly in the room. As a member, I was also upgraded to a room with a beautiful view of the Kamo River, which I absolutely loved. The hotel offers many activities as well. On December 20, I joined the cycling tour, and the guide, Neen, left a lasting impression on me. She took us to a local temple that isn’t usually frequented by tourists, where we enjoyed the season’s last autumn leaves. Although the tour was just an hour, her attention to detail and thoughtful planning touched me deeply. I even asked to take a photo with her, and she later printed the photo as a gift for us, along with a handwritten postcard as a keepsake. Overall, the service at this hotel is the best I’ve ever experienced among all Ritz-Carlton and Ritz hotels I’ve stayed at, even surpassing the Ritz in London. Additionally, I loved the hotel’s swimming pool, which had the perfect water temperature. The sauna and steam room with scenic windows were incredibly relaxing. The twice-daily room cleaning service was also very satisfying. If I must point out a downside, it would be the breakfast service. The staff repeatedly asked if we were finished, which made me feel as if they wanted us to leave quickly.

This property masterfully combines upscale amenities with a wonderfully approachable atmosphere. The staff's professionalism shines through in every interaction, yet they maintain a warmth that makes you feel completely at ease. The spaces are beautifully designed to encourage both relaxation and social interaction, while the rooms provide a perfect sanctuary after a long day. Every aspect of the stay exceeded expectations